Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan. PHOTO: RIAZ AHMED/EXPRESS
"Geedar (jackal) cannot be a leader," Imran quipped.
Khan was speaking to a gathering in Bahawalpur along with Nawab Salahuddin Abbasi – former Nawab of the Bahawalpur state.
The PTI chairman further said that he would like to ask the PML-N head, if there is a TV debate, why his party – despite ruling Punjab for five years - failed to restructure the police force, bring the local government system and produce energy for the province.
Commenting on the issue of new provinces in Pakistan, Khan said the country needs more provinces and that his party will create them. But, he added, the decision must be taken with great care.
The PTI chairman has been touring parts of Punjab as a part of his election campaign.
COMMENTS (91)
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my good wishes for Pakistan
People give IK a chance - cant be worse than what we have already endured!
Jiye Bhutto, Altaf Hussain.....But vote for IMRAN KHAN!
Barack Obama was not even a one time senator before he jumped into presidential race. He was known as a community leader at best. However, a far more accomplished MaCain who served congress for decades had to debate with Obama. He did not refuse to debate with Obama because he was just an ammateur. Imran Khan will slaughter Nawaz Sharif in just 15 minutes. All pakistanis should watch on youtube WHEN CLINTON PREVENTS PAKISTAN NUKING. Just see the youtube how Clintons white and staff made mockery of Nawaz Sharif in july 1999 on the issue of Kargil. Sharif was looking like a joker, comdedian and slave of Clinton. Imran Khan will bring respect to pakistan. Imran Khan cannot be controlled by foreign powers. The whole media, the international players like israel, india, america, saudi arabia, england are supporting Sharif since he will be the true slave of these powers. Imran Khan will never listen to anybody. He will bring the true prosperity to the nation. He has a plan. I wanted to ask all the pakistanis to think, why only bhuttos and sharifs run for their parties? Why not they allow other talent to groom up. Imran Khan will not even allowed to run for party chairmanship for more than two terms. We need change. Imran is the change.
We believe PML-N solution for electricity is by cutting electricity from Karachi and diverting to Lahore.......Shahbaz Sharif is repeatedly shouting why Karachi is not having load shedding, how ridiculous is that.......PML N forming federal gov will be worst for Karachi
Imran made a secret coalition with PPP just to split vote bank of PML-N. This coalition will fail and public will give clear majority to PML-N Insha Allah. It is a fact that PML-N will win 11th May elections but it is good for Pakistan to give clear majority to PML-N. If vote bank is split by PTI, that may result in a hung parliament. It will not be good for the country. I respect all my dear PTI fans and I request them to please please be realistic and vote for PML-N to avoid hung parliament. PPP will be benefited due to split of vote. That is why PPP is not running its compaign in Punjab and KPK. Thanks.
Brilliant... champions! Amnesty International does not check for corruption, the one theyre advertising is Transparency International. And apparently the Transparency International chief is denying any such certification and said that they raised two objections on the Metro Bus project!
perhaps imran is not aware of punjab govt efforts and steps in alst year after 18th amendement and who (Shahbaz Sharif) pressurised the then federal govt to give rights to provinces to generate electricity... its just that... shahBAZ ki parwaz se jalta hai zmana :)
I believe that IMRAN KHAN is an honest man determined to improve Pakistan. He has a track record of building a cancer hospital in Lahore and a university in Mianwali. What has Nawaz or Zardari contributed. Rather they have looted the country and built asserts in foreign countries at the expense of poor people of the country. IMRAN has a clean slate that is why he feels comfortable in debating Nawaz Sharif . The PPP has gone dormant. It it would really have been. Ice if ECP could arrange a debate for the top 3-5 parties.
Imran's criticism is baseless. As per Amnesty International and World Bank Reports, there is no corruption in projects of Punjab Government led by PML(N). Credit of good projects should be given to Shehbaz Sharif.
I have a question after reading the comments. Can somebody explain to me why anyone wants to support Nawaz Sharif and his party. After the exposé by Raymod Baker in his book Capitalism's Achilles Heel where he provides the theft committed by Nawaz Sharif, is there much left to say?
I guess supporting Nawaz Sharif lends an insight into the minds people of Pakistan. I observe this phenomenon all the time when I come across Pakistanis out here in the west where Pakistanis say and do irrational things. I guess the explanation is that the people of Pakistan suffer from lack of self respect because they are treated like insects by the ruling elites.
@Asifa Noorani: Pml-n will win the election with more than two third???? it is Joke of the day
@Nasir Mahmood: Because no one is going to vote for PPP anyway.... everyone hates them for the last 5 years but PMLN pose as the opposition....
The same person posting same comments again and again with different names......... See all PML-N supporters comments:
Imran Khan using bad language Why PPP is not doing election campaign in Punjab, because PTI is doing it. PTI+PMLQ+PPP+MQM+JI+ANP+ABC+XYZ VS PML-N.Please atleast spare us from rigging here, ET is enough for all the rigging !
@Ch. Allah Daad and All Nooras out there.... Are you guys ready for PHAINTA ??? :P
There is no doubt that Nawz Sharif is the best, about IK, he is using BAZARI language
http://jang.com.pk/pdf/PoliticalWeatherForecastForElection2013.pdf Vote for PML-N.
Has Imran prepared any question list for Sindh, KPK and Baluchistan that were run by PPP? Only one question list for Punjab that was run by Shehbaz Sharif. It is a proven fact certified by World Bank and Amnesty International that Punjab government much better and there was no corruption in Punjab government projects. I feel sorry for PTI fans who laugh in jalsas of IK when he uses un-ethical and abusive language against Nawaz Sharif. Allah does not like arrogance and proud and IK is full of proud. I pray Allah to save Nawaz Sharif from such an abusive language for leader of PTI. Youth will vote for PML-N.
Zardari does not need to run his election compaign in Punjab and KPK. Imran is doing all this for him. Shame for Imran for playing such an evil role in politics. History will never forgive him.
All parties backed by Establishment (PTI, Q League, MQM, Tahir ul Qadri, Musharraf) are united against PML-N. Establishment will get defeat. PML-N will win.
Insha Allah naya pakistan on 11 may .. I m shocked to see ppl here talking about pml n lol I dont know what pmln has given them in the past 5 times .. Allah fermata hai aisi qoomo kay liyaa jo qoomai apni takdeer khud nahe badalna chati woh aisay he zalil hoti hai ...
@Maiha Suleman: Here is my feedback
@Maiha Suleman: Here is my feedback to your empty achievements. Pakistan became nuclear power - How did it benefit the public. They didn't even propose using Nuclear power for electricity Rehabilitation of judiciary - the kind where the PML N workers attacked Supreme Court in broad daylight? Motorway - Agreed Metro Bus System - No need for it and the spending doesn;t justify the cost, Coastal Highway - Farse Gwadar Port - They didn't do anything there, in fact took Money from Oman and let it be JF Thunder fighter planes - Not true End of Dengue Virus in Punjab - Sure, Shehbaz Sharif physically ended it Danish School System Distribution of land among poor harees of Sindh Better transport facilities for Pakistanis Green channels on airports - They were there from before Construction of new Karachi and Lahore Airports - No credit to them End of Mehsool Chungi Chashma Nuclear Power Plant - Where is the power? Setup of NADRA - Not true Plan given for distribution of water among provinces - Not true Laying of fiber optics - not done by them Green Tractor Scheme Kohat Tunnel Ghazi Bharota Dam - where is the electricity. Their minions took all the money Missile program - huh? Distribution of laptops among deserving students - Waste of Govt.s money for cheap publicity Distribution of solar energy systems among deserving students - day dreaming? Construction of main roads in all major cities by Punjab Government New universities and medical colleges by Punjab Government - which ones? Great work during floods season Collecting all opposition parties under one umbrella on issue of national security
Nawaz Sharif can not face Imran Khan on TV debate. Because he can proof his good governance in two terms in Center & 5 terms in Punjab. What so ever.
@Nasir Mahmood: PPP is not at par with I.K. And PPP is probably going to lose. PMLN is a real competition. Politics is crystal clear. So why waste time and energy criticizing PPP !
Did Imran Khan prepare a question list for PPP and Zardari ? and perhaps for MQM ? Or is there an alliance between IK and PPPP ?
Very confused why Imran is giving a free pass to PPP.
It is amusing to see some people supporting the Sharif brothers in this election. Their minions attacked the Supreme Court, froze people's hard earned money and were about to implement their own version of Islamic law and become Amir-ul-Mominin of some sorts. They Saudi Arabia's "pithu" and not to be trusted. They don't have any new ideas and equally if not more corrupt than PPP. Pakistan needs multiple parties to win and work with each other in this election to ensure proper check and balance.
PML N's solution to Pakistan energy's problems is to shut down restaurants early :-). They have not done a single thing to address the energy problem in Punjab. all they have to do is to pay electricity bills of their "gated community" in Model Town out of their own pocket.
Zardari dont need to compaign in Punjab. Imran is enough for him. PTI is playing the same role in 2013 elections that was played by Pakistan Islamic Front in 1993 elections. Imran is trying his best for setting up PPP government again. Bad politics.
No wonder PTI supporters and workers use such abusive language against their political rivals; they take their example from their leader!
PML-N vs PPP + PTI + Q League + MQM + Tahir ul Qadri + Musharraf Insha Allah LION will beat the electoral alliance of above parties. PTI is running the compaign of PPP.
@Asifa Noorani: Paranoid and mundane ideology of N-league supporters. Ik zindabad!
So if NS is such a Awami leader and innocent and has love for this country, why not just come on tv for few hours, take up the challenge, talk with sense and show who is rules Punjab .... butt!!!
The problem is he is not ,,, he is too scared of the power and passion that IK has with him. NS is too busy begging for votes coz he knows his time is up .. he will get brutally beaten at the hands of IK if the debate takes place !!
Seems like Imran wants to be CM of Punjab.
Nawaz has no obligation to debate Imran in parliamentary system. If PTI is confident to sweep all seats, why would he need to hold a debate. The private polls are not reliable and they are all over the place. Also consider the fact that PTIans use abusive language openly all over the place. Any decent person would keep them at distance. Imran is thick headed when he talks about energy production. There is not much of fossil fuels for producing energy. The hydro potential is minimal. Oil, gas or coal has to be imported. It takes minimal of 3 years to setup a power plant. How is Imran going to get around these constraints. All Imran projects are based on charity to fund his projects. He needs to explain how charity works at national level.
Imran does not know the manners of talking in public rallies. How can he talk in debates. Vote for PML-N.
Both BAT and ARROW are sitting on CYCLE. They want to hunt LION. IMPOSSIBLE. All of them together cannot do so.
@Maria Hamid: My vote and Vote of each every True Pakistani is for IK and IK only!!
Nation cannot forget achievements of PML-N. For exapmle: 1. Pakistan became nuclear power 2. Rehabilitation of judiciary 3. Motorway 4. Metro Bus System 5. Coastal Highway 6. Gwadar Port 7. JF Thunder fighter planes 8. End of Dengue Virus in Punjab 9. Danish School System 10. Distribution of land among poor harees of Sindh 11. Better transport facilities for Pakistanis 12. Green channels on airports 13. Construction of new Karachi and Lahore Airports 14. End of Mehsool Chungi 15. Chashma Nuclear Power Plant 16. Setup of NADRA 17. Plan given for distribution of water among provinces 18. Laying of fiber optics 19. Green Tractor Scheme 20. Kohat Tunnel 21. Ghazi Bharota Dam 22. Missile program 23. Distribution of laptops among deserving students 24. Distribution of solar energy systems among deserving students 25. Construction of main roads in all major cities by Punjab Government 26. New universities and medical colleges by Punjab Government 27. Great work during floods season 28. Collecting all opposition parties under one umbrella on issue of national security PML-N ALL THE WAY. INSHA ALLAH.
I dont understand the negativity at all. He's challenged Nawaz who leads their most direct competitor. If he doesn't agree, it gains PTI publicity (and so it should). If he agrees, then people will get a chance to objectively decide between the two. I understand its mostly not about objectivity here but still, just dont see the harm.
Why is this being construed as a cheap publicity stunt? Whats cheap about it? Nothing. I can't imagine why people are making comments like IK "comparing himself to NS". NS is a political leader and so is IK. Whats the problem?
Why PPP is not running its compaign in Punjab? Only because Imran is running the compaign of PPP. Shame for such role of PTI.
@Waseem Abro: Debate are only held in those democracies where a significant difference in ideology exists between the competing parties. PTI and PMLN are ideologically alike, and the leadership of the former were recently even part of the latter. Both parties agree on local body elections, on investment in education, on the importance of the both agriculture and industry. They both have well laid out plans that aren't particularly different. They both have similar foreign policy objectives and even agree on the importance of negotiation with the extremists.
Such a debate would be a pointless waste of time. The concerned shadow ministers are already holding these debates on Geo, and are able to address questions about their concerned interest in the depth that neither Nawaz Sharif nor Imran Khan have the capability to speak about.
In a democracy such as Pakistan's, it's best to leave the debate to those that will actually be running the specific ministries. A debate between the top leadership of IK and NS would provide nothing more than a shallow game of one-upmanship. We get enough of that sensless bravado in the speeches already. Spare us of having to watch them debate.
@Khattak: Did you see the debates in the UK? Three parties! Did you see the nomination debates for the Republicans? Several contenders....
Read a newspaper before calling IK immature!
In every civilized society, multiple rounds of debates are conducted just like there were 3 debates between obama & romney. It helps people make a clear wise decision whom to vote for & based on what ideology. I honestly think ECP should have initiated this stance of atleast 2 rounds of debates between major political party leaders i.e. Imran Khan / Nawaz Sharif . No matter you vote for IK or NS, you need to vote to get Pakistan out of this mess. Both these leaders are honest for Pakistan, real question is who will be able to steer Pakistan's ship out of this mess quickly & effectively ? & my understanding is Imran Khan fits the bill perfectly.
@Ch. Allah Daad:
Hope you got a good deal on flights to Jeddah. Don't forget to pack the Punjabi to Arabic dictionary as well!
@raheel: open your eyes!!! actually N-league is in PTI phobia from first day
@Javed Afridi: You are right, it is a trap because if he comes for the debate he is loose even before contesting the elections. Because he has no guts to speak. Even he does not come on live program. Always recorded
Imran should know that in TV debates questions are prepared by moderators not by participants.
Leaders in opposition ask questions and Imran is just proving it.
The only political achievement of IK is the one seat he won in 2002 elections with the help of Musharraf (IK trolls can confirm this from Musharraf) and he is comparing himself with the man who was democratically twice elected as PM and not only that has won many elections IK should first prove himself in elections and then draw a comparison .You don't become a leader by hiring paid hooligans who use dozens of fake accounts to promote you on social media
This debate stuff is illogical in a multi-parties political system. It can only be a useful idea where we have 02-party system like in USA. India is much more matured democracy than Pakistan. And they have not got this debate system in bulidup to elections.
Another illogical proposal by this immature leader IK. Come on, grow up man.
Regards KHATTAK
@Maria Hamid
Me, my class fellows, my family, my neighbours and my relatives will vote for PML-N.
Me, my class fellows, my family, my neighbours and my relatives, as well as most other sane Pakistanis will vote for PTI :)
IK should have a debate with Faisal Raza Aabidi of PPP. Only then he will come to know " Aatai Daal Kaa Bhaao".
I have two questions for Mr Khan too.
A. Why is his General Secretary asking for the murder of Salman Taseer?
B. Why is this video still on PTI official website?
http://www.insaf.pk/Media/Videos/tabid/62/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/5413/Amir-Mughal-speaking-at-rally-on-defending-blasphemy-law-Dec-31-2010.aspx
Imran Khan is not acting civil.
To all the PML-N trolls in here. How much were you paid to promote PML-N?? Think about the country's future, you and your children also have to live here in the future!! DO NOT consider only short term gains. Nawaz Sharif doesn't care about you even, all he wants is power, you people are disposable for him..
to Nasir Mahmood..... dear IK is calling just.. NS for a dialodgue becuse PPP is now a thing of Past ... Now Its...Khan vs Nawaz....Plz understand that aspect before casting your Imp. VOTE... VOTE for PTI to save the PK and bring the real CHANGE...
A true leader said true facts. We are tiered to see same faces in Pakistan's politics we need change now. So my and my family vote only for PTI.
sharif family came from sky? That they think they are special It is the ppl who make individuals special. And in my eyes whether sharifs accept it or not IK is special and ppl are following him however he speaks ppl love him because he seems to them upfront and honest.
@Zaka: I think it's clear that you have yet to look at the figures. The rise in rates between 2011 and 2012 look odd right? That's because the anomaly is created by an increase in 'reported crimes'. Now why would reported crimes rise so much? I'm glad you asked - the government introduced a transparent and easy-to-use reporting system that relies on mobile technology. It has empowered people through out Punjab to report crimes without having to visit a police office.
So yes, 'reported crimes' have risen. But why? Because the Punjab government has made it significantly easier to report crimes now. And that's a good thing and it speaks volumes of Shahbaz Sharif's efforts to make the province statistics as transparent and useful as possible.
This is the problem with Nawaz his ego is just too big he thinks he became prime minister twice now he cant do debate with an upcoming candidate like IK. Think how ppl would feel if Obama said to his rival that i was president of usa for past 5 years now i cant do debate with the upcoming candidate us ka caliber nai ..... This is NS and his party's attitude. May be NS knows that it was the army who made him chief minister and prime minister so doesnt wanna face popular leaders like IK
@Kim: Do you even live in this country?? There are no local bodies anywhere in Pakistan. The only lowest possible office of reach for the common man is the Provincial assembly. And that was ruled by PML-N in Punjab.
Imran cannot debate with even Hamza Shehbaz. First Imran should learn how to behave and how to talk in public rallies about other politicians. Allah bless PML-N.
Allah bless Nawaz Sharif.
11th May - Success of PML-N. 11th May - Defeat of PTI+PPP+MQM+Q League+Tahirul Qadri+Musharraf. All are united against LION. Insha Allah LION will win.
Well its part of the strategy by Khan to put Sharifs psychologically on the back foot, otherwise they would by this time be hurling Sita white and yahoodi lobby all around.. I personally would like him to refrain from name calling (although showbaz and circus sher ka phaintaa is not that bad considering the reality)... but its the spirit of the game and elections should be a competition... I dont know how many seats mean victory for both parties but in my view the victory is that he and the media have made the people aware which will change Pakistan hopefully... Hope that the people come out in large numbers and vote wisely, the kind of wisdom i dont really expect from Pakistanis...
But surely he has risen the election mood and temperature which is good...
Hamza Showbaz and Mariam Safdar were failed to save their father from humiliation of IK challenge. Now ECP is coming for his rescue. Double standards and hypocrisy.
What a sad end for Imran Khan! He has lost the battle before it began: The Presidential approach for paliamentary elections?. He must return to education: He has proven unqualified for the leadership, which Pakistan dearly needs. Elections do not equal a bowling contest!! This is what is written and this is what will transpire.
Rex Minor
Me, my class fellows, my family, my neighbours and my relatives will vote for PML-N.
Insha Allah, PML-N will win the elections with more than two third majority. Every vote casted in favour of PTI will help PPP that is why PPP is not running its compaign in Punjab and KPK. Imran Khan is enough for PPP to provide them benefit in Punjab and KPK. My vote for PML-N.
@Shamy:
Surely IK could man up and stand against Nawaz Sharif in the elections. Why doesn’t he do that ? Scared ?
Not scared, shrewd! Imran will surely beat him in his constituency but then the "awami leader" will just pack up and leave for Jeddah. Letting him win but beating his party will force the "awami leader" to come to the assembly chamber and answer questions of a parliament dominated by PTI without the luxury of having a hidden ear piece with Ehsan Iqbal whispering talk points into his ears!
Bring it on Imran!
Nawaz Sharif will not accept Imran s challenge as He is not confident
Imran is suffering from Nawaz Sharif phobia and this disease is not curable.
Dear Sir Imran Khan, you better challenge to a leader. You're challenging to a person who was a pupet to establishment and not leading pupets and slaves... Mr. Nawaz Sharif will never dare to face I.K neither will his people.
@Kim Be sure before making any statement. Since Musharraf's departure crime rate in Punjab has almost doubled - this indicates everything about poor governance in the province. Regarding vision I do not need to say anything after failed schemes such as sasti roti, pili taxi, danish schools, ashiana, laptop, metro and else ...................
Not a signle develop project - every spending in personal interest.
Nasir Mahmood: PPP has lost their mandate already. They are out of question. The debate needs to be around who might well be able to come into power.
Angry Khan ...Yes We khan....
Imran Khan is potentially a great leader who can talk some sense and logic whenever he opens his mouth. Not like many other politicians who look sensible people until they open their mouths. I hope people of Pakistan vote for the change this time around.
This is getting embarrassing for nawaz. By not accepting the debate nawqz is proving that he is scared of debating and admitting he does not have the skills for a debate. Very disappointed in mian sahib....
Imran khan is talking sense. Vote for PTI
Very to the Point questions by Imran Khan. As they say in Urdu ..' baat tou sach hai magar....'
Why doesn't IK challenge PPP who ruled Pakistan for five years and ruined Pakistan's economy, made millions of people jobless, poor became poorer, destroyed the institutions. Looking at the attitude of IK, I have changed my mind and will not vote for him.
IK understands currently NS is a real awami leader and challenging him means only to get cheaper publicity.
IK , you don,t need to indulge urself into personal politics. Come out of this Nawaz Phobia.
While I lean on the PTI side, it's more than a bit unfair to insult PML-N on Punjab's police force when the police in the province are probably the most advanced and well-functioning force in the country.
Yes, the South of Punjab is still a den for poverty and crime, but shouldn't those question be directed at the local bodies of the region who are represented by the PPP? Surely it's not surprising to anyone with the least bit of political knowledge that any district run by the PPP is barely functioning.
Kid, you aim at raising your stature by making Nawaz Sharif agree to a debate but he is way to senior to fall prey to this trap. Better luck next time !
Its like Australia (in their prime) challenging Namibia for a test match at Perth's pitch. Come on IK we know PML-N will lose.
Surely IK could man up and stand against Nawaz Sharif in the elections. Why doesn't he do that ? Scared ?